The troubled Tembisa Hospital has 104 staff vacancies as well as equipment shortages that adversely affect patient care.
According to a written reply by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature, the hospital is short of 27 nurses, 6 medical officers and 4 medical specialists.
Other vacancies include the following:
• 7 Operational Managers
• 1 Head of Department
• 1 Nursing Manager
• 3 Heads of Unit
• 1 Chief Physiotherapist
• 4 Middle Managers
• 4 Assistant Managers
• 16 Admin staff
• 12 Cleaners
The MEC says these staff shortages lead to long waiting hours for patients.
There are also serious equipment shortages – the hospital needs a pulmonary function unit, an EEG machine, a transport ventilator, a Fabian therapy machine, and a MRI. Repairs are needed for two theatre tables, one anaesthetic machine, and 10 Bellavistor ventilators.
According to the MEC, these equipment shortages impact patients as follows:
• Delays in diagnosis and treatment
• Waiting times prolonged
• Patient outcomes adversely affected
• Need to up-refer patients who can‘t wait
• Limits treatment options
• Increase patient complaints and Patient Safety Incidents
The hospital has had an Acting CEO since August 2022, when the CEO Dr Ashley Mthunzi was suspended pending disciplinary action about his involvement in awarding fishy contracts for grossly overpriced goods. Whistleblower Babita Deokaran was murdered after she tried to stop irregular contracts at the hospital totalling more than R800 million.
It is disappointing that little has been done to improve management, fill vacancies and ensure there is adequate working equipment at this hospital which is notorious for poor patient care and overcrowding.
The Health Ombudsman found gross negligence in the Covid-related death of Shonisani Lethole at the hospital, and recommended in January 2021 that the hospital be given full tertiary status. But this has not yet happened, as the MEC says consultations need to commence with organised labour, the Office of the Premier, and the Treasury.
Following the recent death of Dr Mthunzi, a highly competent permanent CEO should be appointed as soon as possible, with adequate resources to improve patient care at this overburdened hospital.